Section 3: Functions of the Institute

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Institute is charged with the general function of promoting the scientific study of international politics, international economic relations and international law and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions, the Institute shall —
(a) provide such information to the Government of the Federation and members of the public with respect to matters concerning international affairs;
(b) provide facilities for the training of Nigerian diplomats and personnel and those of other countries whose vocations relate to international affairs;
(c) promote and encourage the study and research into all aspects of international affairs;
(d) organise international seminars and conferences on any matter relating to its object;
(e) promote and undertake such other activities as may in the opinion of the Institute, be necessary for the attainment of the objects of the Institute;
(f) facilitate training and retraining of foreign service personnel to enable them develop the capacity to represent Nigeria in such critical areas as diplomacy, trade, investment, security and other issues, thereby, strengthening Nigeria’s foreign policy for increased output and reciprocal gains in accordance with the objectives and mandate of the Institute;
(g) be responsible for setting the policy agenda and foreign service goals in accordance with Nigeria's foreign policy objectives, as stipulated in section 19 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999; [Cap. C23, LFN, 2004]
(h) serve as an intellectual base upon which decision-makers rely for informed opinion and expert advice in order to make rational choices between contending policy options;
(i) determine and establish national standards of knowledge, proficiency and achievement in international affairs management and administration, and provide a means for recognition by the Institute of those who attain the standards;
(j) serve as a centre of excellence in research, training, and enlightenment of the Nigerian public on issues concerning the country's foreign policy and general developments in world affairs;
(k) consider and make recommendations on socio-economic issues that impact international affairs in relation to overall national development;
(l) examine, appraise and advise on the position of international relations and conditions of employment;
(m) make recommendations to the Minister of foreign affairs on the formulation of regulations as may be required for the implementation of foreign affairs legislation in Nigeria;
(n) co-operate with colleges and university schools of international and public affairs and other related professional schools and associations to develop and run programmes of study relating to international relations, international law and organisations, international economic relations, security and strategic studies, African studies, Asian studies and European studies;
(o) promote competent and productive senior staff from one grade to another; and
(p) carry out such other functions or responsibilities as may be conferred upon it by any other enactment or law or as the President or Minister may request.
(2) The Institute shall be the supervisory authority for this Act and shall for that purpose
(a) register and regulate international relationship professional practice activities, and control and supervise their activities with a view to maintaining proper standards of conduct and acceptable administration practices;
(b) make rules consistent with the provisions of this Act, for the proper functioning of institutions under this Act;
(c) take measures to protect the interests of foreign information subjects;
(d) protect the integrity of the international affairs system in Nigeria against any abuses;
(e) impose penalties for the breach of this Act and Regulations made under it;
(f) undertake such other activities as are necessary or expedient for giving effect to the provisions of this Act;
(g) perform such other functions which, in the opinion of the Institute, may be required to ensure the optimal efficiency and performance of the Institute; and
(h) perform other functions specified under this Act.